October Conference Notebook

As you review the October 2012 general conference, you can use these pages (and Conference Notebooks in future issues) to help you study and apply the recent teachings of the living prophets and apostles and other Church leaders.

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; … whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

Enjoy the Moment

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Of Regrets and Resolutions,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 23–24.

My wife, Harriet, and I love riding our bicycles. It is wonderful to get out and enjoy the beauties of nature. We have certain routes we like to bike, but we don’t pay too much attention to how far we go or how fast we travel in comparison with other riders.

However, occasionally I think we should be a bit more competitive. I even think we could get a better time or ride at a higher speed if only we pushed ourselves a little more. And then sometimes I even make the big mistake of mentioning this idea to my wonderful wife.

Her typical reaction to my suggestions of this nature is always very kind, very clear, and very direct. She smiles and says, “Dieter, it’s not a race; it’s a journey. Enjoy the moment.”

How right she is!

Sometimes in life we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey. I don’t go cycling with my wife because I’m excited about finishing. I go because the experience of being with her is sweet and enjoyable.

Doesn’t it seem foolish to spoil sweet and joyful experiences because we are constantly anticipating the moment when they will end?

Do we listen to beautiful music waiting for the final note to fade before we allow ourselves to truly enjoy it? No. We listen and connect to the variations of melody, rhythm, and harmony throughout the composition.

Do we say our prayers with only the “amen” or the end in mind? Of course not. We pray to be close to our Heavenly Father, to receive His Spirit and feel His love.

We shouldn’t wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available—all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect. “This is the day which the Lord hath made … ,” the Psalmist wrote. “Rejoice and be glad in it.” [Psalm 118:24.]

Some of the most important topics are addressed by more than one general conference speaker. Here is what four speakers said about marriage and family. Try looking for other parallels as you study conference talks.

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“The joining together of a man and a woman to be legally and lawfully wed not only is preparation for future generations to inherit the earth, but it also brings the greatest joy and satisfaction that can be found in this mortal experience.”1 —Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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“Children need the emotional and personal strength that come from being raised by two parents who are united in their marriage and their goals.”2 —Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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“The foundation of kindness and civility begins in our homes. It is not surprising that our public discourse has declined in equal measure with the breakdown of the family.”3 —Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

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“We have much to do to strengthen marriage in societies that increasingly trivialize its importance and purpose.”4 —Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Prophetic Promise

“The Savior can wipe away our tears of regret and remove the burden of our sins. His Atonement allows us to leave the past behind and move forward with clean hands, a pure heart, and a determination to do better and especially to become better.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Of Regrets and Resolutions,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 24.